When
your children graduate from college and go off on their own, it is so rewarding
as a parent. The one thing that also happens is there are fewer occasions when
you get to spend extended time together. There are always work and commitments
and life….
So
recently spending five uninterrupted days with our daughter Jillian was very
special. Spending it in Paris was even more special! All of our children have
had the chance to come and visit us while we have been living in Europe, which
has been wonderful. We now have adventures and memories of places together that
we never dreamed of.
Paris
never fails to intrigue us. It just so
happened to be fashion week when Jillian came. Of all our children, Jillian
would be the one that would appreciate that event the most. She was able to
teach us a few things about what was going on. Lots of incredible cameras being
carried around the city, some wild outfits, beautiful people, and activity everywhere
you walked.
We fit
in a night tour of Paris on bikes – got to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle it’s
lights ever hour from various locations in the city. It was a unique way to
explore and see the city from a different perspective. 
We
took a tour in the Latin Quarter with a girl who is opening a bakery in Paris
next month. The tour’s title was Baguette to Bistro. Laurel explained all about
French food, wine, and the culture and history of food in France. Lots of stops
to sample chocolates, cheese, wine, and of course various breads and pastries.
She was a great tour guide – fun, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. Can’t wait
to go back sometime and visit her bakery.
Knowing
it was our last visit to Paris for a while we had a couple special dinners out
at some restaurants that we have been to during our stay in Europe. Glad we
could share this time and experience with Jillian.
